The Crucifixion with Sts. Jerome and Christopher 1471

Pinturicchio painted this small panel, "The Crucifixion with Sts. Jerome and Christopher," using tempera on wood. Tempera, a technique of painting with pigments bound in egg yolk, lends itself to precisely rendered details and luminous color. Look closely, and you can see how these inherent qualities of the medium are used to great effect in the artist's work. The careful, almost miniaturist rendering of the landscape is a result of the process's specific qualities. The layering and blending of pigments create depth and texture, while the smoothness of the finished surface enhances the painting's overall clarity and preciousness. Pinturicchio's decision to employ tempera, a technique rooted in traditional craftsmanship, reflects a conscious choice to align himself with a particular set of artistic values. In doing so, he elevates the status of craft-based practices and challenges traditional distinctions between the so-called fine arts and more artisanal modes of production. This points to a broader understanding of artistic skill as being rooted in meticulous labor and mastery of materials.